DIN (Drug Identification Number)

02248994

DIARRHEA RELIEF 2 MG TABLET

How does Diarrhea Relief work? What will it do for me?

Loperamide belongs to the family of medications called antidiarrheals. Loperamide, along with rehydration therapy (fluids and electrolytes), is used to treat short bouts of diarrhea that are not caused by a bacterial infection. It is also used to treat chronic diarrhea caused by inflammatory bowel disease (e.g., Crohn's disease) and to reduce the amount of stool produced for people who have ileostomies, colostomies, or have had part of their intestines removed.

It works by affecting the nerves in the intestines to reduce the amount of stool produced, reduce stool frequency, make stools more solid, and reduce cramping.

This medication may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of this medication may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

How should I use Diarrhea Relief?

For adults and children 12 years of age and older who have acute or chronic diarrhea, the recommended dose of loperamide is a starting dose of 4 mg, followed by a 2 mg dose after each loose bowel movement (or bout of diarrhea). Do not exceed 16 mg per day. For chronic diarrhea, once the optimal daily dose has been established, this dose can be given as a single daily dose or in divided doses.

Regular tablets should be taken with liquids. The quick-dissolve tablets can be taken without liquids. Loperamide tablets are not suitable for children under the age of 6 years old.

Children 6 to 12 years of age (10 kg to 20 kg) can use this medication for acute or chronic diarrhea if recommended by a doctor. For children 6 to 8 years old (or weighing 20 kg to 30 kg) the recommended dose for the first day is 2 mg twice daily. For children 8 to 12 years of age who weigh over 30 kg, the recommended dose for the first day is 2 mg 3 times daily. If the diarrhea continues, then the medication is given only after a loose bowel movement, and the amount to be given depends on the weight of the child. Contact your doctor or pharmacist for the recommended amount.

For children 2 to 5 years old (or weighing 10 kg to 20 kg) the recommended dose for the first day is 1 mg 3 times daily.

For liquid forms of loperamide, use a syringe to measure each dose as this gives a more accurate measurement than household teaspoons.

Stop using loperamide if you have a solid or hard stool or if you go for 24 hours without a bowel movement. If you have acute (not chronic) diarrhea, see your doctor if it has not improved within 48 hours.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important to use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with the recommended dosing schedule (after each loose bowel movement). If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with the recommended dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

What form(s) does Diarrhea Relief come in?

Each oblong, biconvex, green caplet debossed "P" over a score line and "2 mg" under it on one side and "Loperamide" on the other side contains 2 mg of loperamide. Nonmedicinal ingredients: croscarmellose sodium, D&C Yellow No. 10 Aluminum Lake, FD&C Blue No. 1 Aluminum Lake, lactose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, and povidone.

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